Use of the Pala-nate device in the prevention of palatal grooves in premature, intubated infants.

MedLine Citation:

PMID:
12813286
Owner:
NLM
Status:
Publisher

Abstract/OtherAbstract:

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies demonstrated that the use of a custom-made intraoral acrylic appliance, known as a palatal stabilizing device, prevents palatal groove formation and reduces the frequency rate of accidental extubations in premature, intubated babies. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of a prefabricated palatal device with an acrylic custom-made palatal stabilizing device. Specifically, we compared the stability, fit, and retention of these two devices. DESIGN: Randomized comparative study. SETTING: Clincal trial. PATIENTS: A total of 70 medically stable, premature, intubated babies. INTERVENTIONS: A total of 70 medically stable, premature, intubated babies randomly received Pala-nate (experimental group, n = 34) or palatal stabilizing device (control group, n = 36). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Differences among birth weight, gestational age, and period of intubation of the two groups were statistically nonsignificant at p </=.05. Although both appliances were effective in the prevention of palatal grooves, the Pala-nate was less retentive, thus requiring greater monitoring, and it was associated with a larger number of accidental extubations. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant at p </=.05. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the custom-made, acrylic, palatal stabilizing device was more stable and more effective in the prevention of spontaneous extubations in premature orally intubated infants.

Department of Pediatric Dentistry (Drs. Fadavi and Punwani), College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago; and the Department of Neonatology (Dr. Vidyasagar), University of Illinois Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.